Every day, thousands of people in Toronto depend on community social services – from home care to day care, seniors services, employment and skills training, crisis intervention and more. These organizations support local engagement, bringing residents together to solve problems and improve their communities. These are essential activities that build our quality of life and keep our city healthy. But over a decade of inadequate funding is eroding the ability of agencies to meet the demands and needs of their communities.
Over 150 community social service agencies across the city have joined with labour groups and community allies to endorse a Community Social Services Campaign at Queen’s Park on June 5th. They will call on Premier McGuinty and his government to revise funding frameworks in the sector and reverse the deep cuts made in the 1990s by the Tory government in order to meet today’s demands for services and community engagement. Ninety agencies and upwards to 1,500 participants are expected for ‘Joining Hands to Build Community,’ a showcase and celebration of the vital contribution of the agencies and front line workers who deliver the programs and services our communities need.
Date: Tuesday, June 5th
Location: Queen’s Park front lawns
Time: 2:00 pm media conference
1:30 – 5:00 pm program showcase activities
Along with a main stage, there will be program demonstrations and workshops from community social service agencies including:
· Jane/Finch Community Centre children’s face painting and craft making
· Seniors dance groups and live action theatre workshops
· Alliance Multicultural Community Health moms and tots fitness
· Turning Point Youth Services – Beats to the streets hip hop rap
Activities will take place from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm on the Queen’s Park lawns. The 2:00 pm media conference will take place on the front stage at the event. For more information on the Community Social Services Campaign, please visit: www.socialplanningtoronto.org/cssc.
For further information, please contact:
Valerie Dugale, CUPE Communications 647-225-3685
Alissa Von Bargen, Community Social Planning Council of Toronto 647-230-9164